Injury and surgery to his right ankle delayed Kane Ritchie-Hosler’s competitive debut this season until 2nd September and his bad luck returned only days later when he damaged his right knee in training. Kane told the website how he is working his way back to match fitness following surgery to his knee as well:-
“It is a difficult spell for me, picking up another injury is tough, I’m not going to lie. It has taken a lot out of me but with the support from everyone in the team, hopefully I can recover well. I had my surgery and I’m in the gym now working to get back as soon as I can.”
The surgery this time was a key hole procedure on his meniscus possibly not as serious as his ankle injury but still a big operation. “I’m hoping everything goes well with no problems.”
At the end of September last year Kane joined Dunfermline on loan from Rangers. He made 22 appearances for the Pars last season, his attacking play establishing himself as a fans favourite as he helped the team to the League One championship.
Kane made the move to Dunfermline permanent, signing a three year contract in May this year. Unfortunately the 21 year old has so far only made one competitive appearance for Dunfermline this season and that was at the Caledonian Stadium on 2nd September when he replaced Michael O’Halloran fifteen minutes into the second half of that cinch Championship match:-
“I only got thirty minutes but I was buzzing to back out in front of the fans and I was looking forward to the next game. To pick up the injury in training was a blow but you just have to look forward. I was preparing for the Dundee United game in the Trust Trophy, that would have been ideal just to get minutes. It is unfortunate but hopefully I can get back as soon as possible.”
Kane who was in the youth set up at Manchester City for ten years from the age of six, had surgery within the week and has had a week at home in Stockport with his family. On returning back north Kane has been able to do work on strengthening and conditioning his upper body:-
“I’m just waiting on the knee to settle down and then I will be back doing more lower work. I am walking on it, which is good. I was never in crutches, I was able to walk straight away and that’s always a positive. It is feeling good, just a little bit stiff.
“I’m hoping to be back in four to six weeks, I have a target in mind but I don’t want to give that away in case I don’t make that target.”
Kane has supported his Dunfermline team mates from the sidelines and will be watching the next game against Ayr United from the stand at the KDM. He is optimistic that the Pars can pick up the three points a week on Saturday.
“Obviously the last one was a tough result against Thistle but if we can pick up some more good results we can forget about that one.”
